The Lion Guard: Disney does a full ‘Circle of Life’ with new spin-off

A bit of nostalgia to get your claws into here. After 20 years of success on both film and theatre, the classic story of The Lion King is not one easily forgotten. So with some shaking around, Disney Junior is taking the much loved story, adding in some new characters, returning the old and bringing everyone the new spin-off tale: The Lion Guard.

The Lion Guard will appear on screen in autumn 2015 in the form of a television movie. This will then be followed up by a series on both Disney Junior and Disney Channel, expected to debut in 2016. The story will be set in the African savannah, appearing to take a full ‘Circle of Life’ approach as it features the second-born cub of Simba and Nala, Kion (and his adorable red mohawk). The little lion is on a mission and joins forces with a team of close friends to ‘guard’ the Pride Lands. As well as the new faces, there will also be old familiars such as Mufasa, Timon, Pumbaa, Rafiki, Zazu and Kion’s older sister, Kiara included in the series. The message of the show will centre on the ideas of conservation education, family and community values, whilst also displaying themes of creative problem-solving skills and diversity, fit for the Disney Channel platforms.

Advisors for the stories will come directly from Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park consultants. Sarah Mirza, author and Swahili expert, will also be involved in the creation of the show as the language and cultural advisor.